Namibia: The Most Challenging and Beneficial Experience of My Life Past Review
By Siobhan K (International Development, Clark University) for
CGEE: Windhoek - Nation-Building, Globalization, and Decolonizing the Mind
YES. I plan on going back to Namibia as soon as I can. It was the most beneficial and amazing experience of my life and I miss it every day. I made great friends there that became my family, both Namibian and American, and cherish this experience and how it has impacted my life and future plans.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Learning through experience and immersion in the culture was extremely beneficial. Though classes were good, what happened outside the classroom in homestays and cultural immersion were the most substantial educational experience. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everyone was amazing and was always completely on your side. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
Great for vegetarians too. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
This program was amazing, especially for social and cultural experiences. The home stay in the north was probably one of the most memorable experiences of my life and I learned SO much about Namibia and was really embraced by Namibians that I now call it home. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Though most people spoke English, it was amazing to see the response of Oshiwambo speakers when we greeted them in their own language. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Someone who is open to new experiences and ready to make the most out of every single day. |
